Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years (biennial cycle)
- Must complete minimum 8 hours in each line of authority held
- 3 hours of ethics training required each renewal period
- CE deadline based on birth month (odd or even year)
- Producers age 65+ with 25+ years of licensure may be exempt from CE
- Maximum 18 hours of excess CE can carry over to next period (ethics excluded)
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
South Carolina insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Hour Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 hours per biennium |
| Ethics (required) | 3 hours |
| Per Line of Authority | Minimum 8 hours each |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
Multi-Line Requirements
Producers holding multiple lines must complete:
| Lines Held | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Life/Health only | 8 hours Life/Health + 3 ethics + 13 elective |
| Life/Health + Property/Casualty | 8 hours L/H + 8 hours P/C + 3 ethics + 5 elective |
CE Compliance Deadlines
Your CE compliance deadline is based on your birth year:
| Birth Year | Compliance Deadline |
|---|---|
| Even year (1990, 1992, etc.) | End of birth month in even years |
| Odd year (1989, 1991, etc.) | End of birth month in odd years |
Example: If born in June 1985 (odd year), CE due by June 30 of each odd year (2025, 2027, etc.)
CE Course Requirements
Approved Course Criteria
- Must be approved by SCDOI
- Online and classroom options available
- Courses approved for: Life/Health, Property/Casualty, Ethics
- A course may not be repeated within 2 calendar years
Credit Carryover
| Carryover Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Carryover | 18 hours |
| Ethics Credits | Do NOT carry over |
| Line-Specific Credits | May carry over |
Exam Tip: Complete your CE well before the deadline. Credits from approved providers are reported electronically to SCDOI, but allow time for processing.
CE Exemptions
Senior Producer Exemption
Effective May 27, 2022, South Carolina offers CE exemption for experienced producers:
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 years or older |
| Experience | 25 or more years of licensure |
| Application | Must apply online for exemption |
| Status | Must be in good standing |
Limited Lines Exemption
- Producers holding only limited lines licenses are exempt from CE requirements
- Full lines (Life, Health, Property, Casualty) require CE
Non-Resident Compliance
- Non-resident producers may comply by meeting home state CE requirements
- Home state compliance must be verified through NIPR
License Renewal
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Verify CE completion recorded with SCDOI
- Submit renewal through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee
Renewal Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| License Renewal | $30 |
| NIPR Transaction Fee | $5.60 |
| Total Renewal Cost | $35.60 |
Special Training Requirements
Long-Term Care Insurance
Before selling Long-Term Care insurance:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Initial Training | 8 hours (one-time) |
| Ongoing Training | 4 hours every 24 months |
Annuity Suitability Training
- Required one-time training before selling annuities
- Covers suitability standards and best interest requirements
Reporting Requirements
Notification Timeline
South Carolina producers must notify SCDOI of changes within 30 days:
Required Notifications
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of business entity
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or submit in writing to SCDOI
- Failure to report is a violation of insurance law
Disciplinary Actions
SCDOI can take disciplinary action for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of funds
- Misrepresentation to clients or insurers
- Failure to maintain required CE
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Reprimand | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively selling (voluntary status) |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Cancelled | Voluntarily surrendered |
How many hours of continuing education does South Carolina require for license renewal?
How many hours of ethics training must South Carolina producers complete each renewal period?
Who qualifies for CE exemption in South Carolina?
How many CE hours can be carried over to the next renewal period in South Carolina?